AmeriCorps funds now available from IDHS

                     The Serve Illinois Commission

                     is looking for applicants interested in administering

                     AmeriCorps funds.  AmeriCorps is a program of the

                     Corporation for National and Community Service, an

                     independent federal agency whose mission is to

                     improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster

                     civic engagement through service and volunteering.

                     AmeriCorps members serve their communities by

                     improving education and healthcare, protecting public

                     safety, safeguarding the environment, providing

                     disaster relief and promoting civic engagement.

                     “AmeriCorps is an excellent opportunity for people to

                     volunteer their time and talents and give something

                     back to their communities,” said Ted Gibbs, Executive

                     Director of the Serve Illinois Commission.  “Illinois

                     has a strong tradition of volunteerism and compassion

                     for those in need. AmeriCorps volunteers make a real

                     difference in the communities in which they serve.”

                     The Serve Illinois Commission, part of the Illinois

                     Department of Human Services, administers the

                     AmeriCorps state programs in Illinois, and is charged

                     with enhancing and supporting community volunteerism.

                     Serve Illinois is funded by the federal Corporation

                     for National and Community Service and currently

                     supports 33 AmeriCorps programs throughout the state.

                     AmeriCorps members dedicate a year to helping

                     communities meet their unmet human service,

                     education, public safety or environmental needs.

                     They receive a modest living allowance, student loan

                     deferment and training.  Full-time members are also

                     eligible to receive health insurance. Members who

                     successfully complete their service receive an

                     educational award of up to $5,550 to help pay for

                     college, graduate school, vocational training or to

                     pay off student loans.

                     Serve Illinois will host mandatory meetings for

                     interested parties in Belleville, Chicago, Joliet and

                     Springfield.  Proposals are due by Dec. 1, 2011.

                     For more information about AmeriCorps or Serve

                     Illinois, please visit www.serve.illinois.gov or call

                     (800) 592-9896.  The website is a valuable resource

                     for Illinoisans seeking information about volunteer

                     agencies, trainings, nonprofit resources and national

                     service programs, including AmeriCorps.  The website

                     includes a user-friendly volunteer matching portal

                     where you can search for a volunteer opportunity in

                     your area.